Tax Effects of Temporary Differences that Give Rise to Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Deferred tax assets:
Contract placement	$ 2,145	$ 1,407
Maintenance and warranty accruals	7,127	6,885
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	13,193	10,342
Deferred revenue	3,702	4,104
Inventories and other	8,449	7,075
Derivative instruments and translation adjustment	1,132	1,702
Investment and asset tax credits	337	794
Net operating loss	8,409	24,516
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Total	44,494	56,825
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed assets	111,915	107,591
Original issue discount	12,064	11,410
Intangibles	9,977	9,927
Deferred gain on redemption of debt	4,430	4,532
Other	36	161
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross, Total	138,422	133,621
Valuation allowance	1,435	7,043
Net deferred tax liability	$ 95,363	$ 83,839